Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on 'The situation in Afghanistan'
Madam President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana.
The A3+ thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, Mrs. Roza Otunbayeva, Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, and Ambassador Andrés Montalvo Sosa of Ecuador for their briefings. We have also listened carefully to the statement by the CSO briefer, Ms. Mahboob.
The A3+ reiterates its firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Afghan people.
As Afghanistan grapples with a myriad of challenges, including a fragile economy, poverty, security concerns, the effects of climate change, and severe human rights restrictions, the situation of women and girls has deteriorated at an alarming rate, demanding immediate attention.
Women and girls in Afghanistan are bearing the brunt of the Taliban’s multiple decrees as well as the recently promulgated law on the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice which restricts their education, employment, freedom of movement, and silences their very voices.
We are concerned by the Secretary General’s report that the Taliban Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice has intensified its efforts to ensure compliance with, and full enforcement of this law, including through increased deployment of its inspectors.
We emphasize that the law is contrary to Afghanistan’s international obligations and strongly urge the Taliban to reverse it. We call upon the Taliban to comply with Afghanistan’s international obligations for the wellbeing of the Afghan people and Afghan women and girls, in particular.
We are also alarmed at the Taliban leader’s ban on public criticism of Taliban policies and practices and the limitations on media freedom. The continued implementation of judicial corporal punishment, including for women, is unacceptable.
Madam President,
It has been more than three years since the denial of education for girls beyond grade 6, and two years since women were banned from universities, with no indication of change. Now, women are also not allowed to pursue medical education and training. The A3+ reiterates its urgent call for the Taliban to reopen all schools and universities to ensure that women and girls have access to all levels of education and to swiftly reverse all laws, policies, and practices that discriminate against women and girls, infringe their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and limit their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in all spheres of life.
The severe restrictions placed on them are not only infringing upon their rights and freedoms but stymieing the development of Afghanistan.
Madam President,
The security situation in Afghanistan remains of great concern with an alarming 39.6 % increase in security-related incident reports compared to the same period in 2023.
We note with appreciation UNAMA’s convening on 28th November 2024 the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on Counter Narcotics as a follow-up to the third Meeting of Special Envoys held in Doha. We believe that this will further contribute to combating opium poppy cultivation and illicit trafficking of drugs.
We call on the Taliban to sustain efforts to ensure the safety of Afghan citizens and combat terrorism and urge countries in the region to intensify joint efforts to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan to ensure peace dividends for the entire region.
The A3+ also remains gravely concerned that unexploded ordnances continue to result in civilian casualties, particularly children. We reiterate our call for all parties to take measures to ensure explosive ordnance clearance and explosive ordnance risk education.
Madam President,
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire for an estimated 23.7 million people, compounded by the growing number of returnees. We note that despite some improvements attributed to agricultural production, an estimated 12.4 million people are still acutely food insecure and that the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 37.7 per cent funded. We commend international donors for providing critical support and encourage scaling up of contributions.
We are concerned about the report of a dire public health situation including tens of thousands of measles, malaria and conflict-induced trauma cases.
Madam President,
Engagement between the international community and Afghanistan, and regional engagement, is crucial to its development, economic growth, durable peace and stability.
In this regard, we note the assessment of the SG’s report that the introduction of the "Vice and Virtue law" shortly after meetings convened by the United Nations in Doha from 30 June to 2 July, has made the building of a constructive engagement framework between the Taliban and the international community more difficult.
We urge the international community and countries in the region in particular, to continue to provide their support and contribute to lasting peace, stability and development of the people of Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Madam President, we express our sincere appreciation to UNAMA and SRSG Otunbayeva for their unwavering dedication and commend the crucial support that the United Nations continues to provide to the people of Afghanistan.
I thank you.
